Article of apparel including thermoregulatory textile

ABSTRACT

A process of forming a textile and apparel formed utilizing the textile is disclosed. The textile includes a base layer and a spacer layer defined by a plurality of bosses extending from the base layer. In an embodiment, the bosses are oriented in a grid pattern, being spaced apart to define gaps for air circulation. Selected bosses are mechanically compressed and secured in the compressed state utilizing an adhesive composition. The adhesive composition may further include heat insulating or heat reflective particles. The resulting textile may be utilized to form articles of apparel, including garments such as shirts, pants, coats, and footwear.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates to an article of apparel and, inparticular, a garment including a textile adapted to regulate thermalconditions of the wearer and methods of forming the textile.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The heat retention of a planar textile structure generally increaseswith increasing thickness. As thickness of the textile increases,however, resistance to the passage of moisture also increases. Thisresults in apparel that, while warming, can cause the skin to be coveredwith uncomfortable perspiration. Accordingly, it would be desirable toform apparel from a textile that, while light, is capable of heatretention and transfers perspiration from the wearer.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward a process of forming a textileand apparel formed utilizing the textile. The textile includes a baselayer and a spacer layer defined by a plurality of spacer elementsextending distally from the base layer. In an embodiment, the spacerelements are oriented in a grid pattern, being spaced apart to definegaps for air circulation. Selected spacer elements are mechanicallycompressed and secured in the compressed state utilizing an adhesivecomposition. The adhesive composition may further include heatinsulating or heat reflective particles. The resulting textile may beutilized to form articles of apparel, including garments such as shirts,pants, coats, footwear, and underwear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a top plan view of the front face of the textile for formingan article of apparel in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of the front face of the textileshown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C illustrates a schematic of the front face of the textile shownin FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D illustrates top plan view of the rear face of the textile shownin FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the textile shown in FIG.1A.

FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a textile in accordancewith the invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate schematic views of the front face of thetextile, showing spacer elements in a brickwork pattern (FIG. 3A) andcheckerboard pattern (FIG. 3B).

FIGS. 4A and 4B each illustrates a gravure apparatus to apply theadhesive composition to the textile.

FIG. 5A illustrates an adhesive pattern in accordance with theinvention.

FIG. 5B illustrates an adhesive pattern layout in accordance with theinvention.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram including steps of forming the textile

FIG. 7A is a top plan view of the front face of the textile, showingselected spacer elements being secured by adhesive strip.

FIG. 7B illustrates a cross sectional view of the textile, showingcompressed and expanded spacer elements.

FIG. 8 illustrates an article of apparel formed from the textile of FIG.1A.

Like numerals refer to like components throughout the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, the textile 10 according to the inventionincludes a first or outer layer or portion 105 and a second or innerlayer or portion 110. The inner textile portion 110 is oriented suchthat it faces the wearer, i.e., it is oriented closer to the wearer thanthe outer textile portion 105 (i.e., the inner portion defines the faceside of the fabric). In an embodiment, the inner portion 110 is incontact the wearer's skin. The inner textile portion 110 isdiscontinuous, being defined by one or more spacer elements 115 orbosses oriented in spaced relation from each other. Each spacer element115 extends distally from the inner surface of the first textile portion105, toward the wearer. The spacer elements 115 may possess anydimensions (size/shape) suitable for its described purpose (space thefirst textile layer 105 from the skin of the wearer and/or fluidmovement). By way of example, the spacer elements 115 may possess agenerally cylindrical shape (e.g., a right cylinder), or may be apolygon, possessing, e.g., a generally rectangular or a generally squareshape. The diameter (length and/or width) of the spacer element 115 maybe approximately up to 2 cm (e.g., 0.5 mm-5 mm). The height of thespacer element 115 may be approximately 0.10-6 mm. In a preferredembodiment, the spacer elements 115 are generally square, possessinglength of approximately 2 mm and a width of approximately 2 mm.Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the distal end of the spacer elements 115may be generally square, or may be configured with a tapered 210 orrounded 215 edge, which assists in fluid roll off (explained in greaterdetail below).

The spacer elements 115 are arranged in a predetermined pattern alongthe interior surface of the first textile portion 105 such that channelsor gaps between adjacent elements. In an embodiment, the spacer elements115 are disposed in an array. By way of example, the spacer elements 115form a matrix, i.e., a rectangular array of elements ordered in columns120 and rows 125 (FIG. 1A). With this configuration, a plurality ofintersecting, elongated channels is defined between the rows andcolumns. Specifically, first or vertical channels 130 (from theviewpoint of FIG. 1A) are defined between adjacent columns 120, whilehorizontal channels 135 are defined between adjacent rows 125. Thechannels 130, 135 intersect each other at right angles to form a channelgrid. The first channel 130 may possess the same dimensions as thesecond channel 135, or may possess different dimensions. In anembodiment, the first channel 130 may include a transverse dimension(width/height) that is less than the transverse dimension of the secondchannel 135 (i.e., the channels 135 between rows 125 are wider than thechannels 130 between columns 120). By way of example, the ratio of thetransverse dimension of the second channel 135 to the transversedimension of the first channel 130 may be in the range of 1:1-4:1 (e.g.,2:1, 3:1, etc.). By way of specific example, the horizontal channel 135may be approximate 1 mm wide, while the vertical channel 130 may beapproximately 0.5 mm wide.

Referring to FIG. 3A, in another embodiment of the invention, the arrayis an offset matrix in which adjacent rows 125 and columns 120 areoffset from each other such that the channels 130, 135 do not extend thefull width/length of the textile (i.e., the channels are interrupted byspacer elements). Referring to FIG. 3B, furthermore, the spacer elements115 may be offset along the columns and rows such that the elements areoriented in a checkerboard style layout. In this configuration, noelongated channels are formed; instead, pockets 140 are defined betweenadjacent elements 115 along the rows 120 and columns 125.

Referring to FIG. 1D, the back face of the textile 10 (the surfacefacing outward, away from the wearer) may be smooth or substantiallysmooth. For example, the outer surface of the first textile portion 105,while possessing a texture, does not include spacer elements extendingfrom its outer surface.

The textile 10—the first textile portion 105 and the second textileportion 110—may be formed of the same or similar yarn. By way ofexample, the textile portions 105, 110 may be formed of hydrophobic yarnsuch as polyester or polypropylene. In another embodiment, the textileportions 105, 110 may be formed of hydrophilic yarn such as cotton orwool. In still other embodiments, the textile portions 105, 110 may beformed of a combination of hydrophobic and hydrophilic yarns. In apreferred embodiment, the textile 10 (the first 105 and second 110textile portions) is formed of hydrophobic yarn (e.g., polyester)provided with hydrophilic properties, e.g., via chemical treatment (suchas a conventional wicking finish).

In other embodiments, the first textile portion 105 and the secondtextile portion 110 are formed of yarns having different properties. Byway of example, the second textile portion 110 may be formed ofuntreated hydrophobic yarn and the first textile portion 105 may beformed of hydrophobic yarn treated such that it possesses hydrophilicproperties 110. By way of further example, the second textile portion110 may be formed of hydrophobic yarns and the first textile portion 105may be formed of hydrophilic yarns. By way of still further example, theyarns of the first portion 105 and/or the second portion 110 may betreated with a durable water repellant (DWR) composition. Additionally,the denier of the yarns forming the first 105 and second 110 portionsmay differ (e.g., the denier of the first portion yarns may be greaterthan the denier of the second portion yarns).

With the above configuration, a textile 10 including channels 130, 135or pockets 140 is formed. The spacer elements 115 and the channels 130,135 or pockets 140 cooperate to control movement of fluid within andthrough the textile 10. Regarding liquid, the structure drives liquidfrom the second textile portion 110 to the first textile portion 105.Specifically, when fluid contacts the surface of a spacer element 115,it is drawn/moved along the length/height of the spacer element and intothe first textile portion 105, where it diffuses/spreads. Additionally,when liquid falls directly into a channel 130, 135 or pocket 140, theliquid immediately contacts the first textile portion 105 where itdiffuses/spreads.

Alternatively, when the spacer elements 115 are non-wicking and/orhydrophobic, the liquid may contact the spacer elements 115, rolling offthe spacer element into the channel 130, 135 or pocket 140. To this end,as mentioned above, the spacer elements 115 may be configured with atapered 210 or rounded 215 edge, assisting in fluid roll off (FIG. 2B).

With these configurations, liquid from the user (i.e., sweat) isimmediately directed from the spacer element 115 and into a channel 130,135 or pocket 140. In other words, liquid is directed from the secondtextile portion 110 to the first textile portion 105, where the liquidis held away from the skin of the wearer. This improves wearer comfort.

It should be noted that the yarn may be selected to impart desired fluidabsorption characteristics to the textile. That is, the first textileportion 105 may possess a first sorptivity (capillary action) value andthe second textile portion 110 may possess a second sorptivity(capillary action) value. In an embodiment, the first sorptivity valueis greater than the second sorptivity value (e.g., when the firstportion is hydrophilic and the second portion is hydrophobic). Inanother embodiment, the first sorptivity value is less than or equal tothe second sorptivity value. In a preferred embodiment, the firsttextile portion 105 generates greater capillary action (and thuspossesses higher fluid sorptivity) than the second textile portion 110.

It should also be understood that while the textile portions 105, 110may be generally hydrophobic or hydrophilic, the relative degree of therelevant property may differ. For example, while the first textileportion 105 and the second textile portion 110 may be consideredhydrophobic, the second textile portion 110 may be less hydrophobic thanthe first textile portion 105 (and vice versa), i.e., the second textileportion experiences a greater moisture pick-up under a standardatmosphere (moisture pick up being measured by the mass of absorbed andadsorbed water that is held by a material). Similarly, while bothtextile portions 105, 110 may be considered generally hydrophilic, thesecond textile portion 110 may be less hydrophilic than the firsttextile portion 105 (and vice versa). Alternatively, the portions 105,110 may possess identical wicking properties.

Along with liquid flow, the textile structure 10 further enablesmovement of air along and through the textile 10. While both the firsttextile portion 105 and the second textile portion 110 are airpermeable, the air permeability of the textile 10 along a channel 130,135 or pocket 140 is greater than the air permeability of the textilealong a spacer element 115. Accordingly, the channels 130, 135 orpockets 140 capture air and direct it out through the textile 10 (viathe first textile portion 105), enhancing air flow during physicalactivity, thereby creating a heat dissipating or cooling effect. In apreferred embodiment, the first textile portion 105 possesses highervapor permeability (breathability) than the second textile portion 110(in its unprinted state).

The textile 10 may be formed utilizing any process suitable for itsdescribed purpose. In an embodiment, the textile 10 is knitted to form aunitary structure. By way of example, the textile is formed via warpknitting. By way of further example, the textile 10 is a double knitjacquard formed via a process that simultaneously forms both textileportions 105, 110. While forming the second textile portion 110,knitting is selectively started and stopped at predetermined positionsto form spacer elements 115. Stated another way, the channels 130, 135or pockets 140 are formed wherever the knitting operation is suspended(creating regions that are substantially free of pile) and spacerelements 115 are formed wherever the knitting operation is resumed(creating regions including pile).

In other embodiments, the textile 10 possesses loop pile construction.By way of example, the textile 10 may be formed as described U.S. Pat.No. 5,065,600 or 5,547,733, the disclosure of each patent isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In still otherembodiments, the first 105 and second 110 textile portions areindependent layers secured together, e.g., via adhesive, stitching, etc.Accordingly, the textile 10 may possess a unitary construction, or maybe formed of multiple, distinct layers.

In order to control the properties of the article of apparel, thetextile 10 may be processed to selectively seal areas of the fabric andcompress the fibers, filaments or yarns forming the textile. In anembodiment, one or both textile portions 105, 110 may be compressed andsealed to minimize its breathability and/or fluid abortion properties.Specifically, the filaments, fibers, or yarns along the surface of atextile portion 105, 110 may compressed by an applicator and secured inits compressed state utilizing an adhesive or sealant composition.

In an embodiment, the textile 10 may be further processed to selectivelycompress and/or seal one or more of the spacer elements 115, as well asto selectively seal all or part of the channels 130, 135 or pockets 140.Specifically, one or more spacer elements 115 is fully or partiallycompressed by an applicator and secured in its compressed stateutilizing an adhesive or sealant composition. By way of example, thetextile 10 may be processed by a rotogravure apparatus configured tosimultaneously compress a selected spacer element 115 and apply anadhesive or sealant composition to the compressed spacer element.Referring to FIG. 4, the rotogravure apparatus 400 includes animpression roller 405, a gravure cylinder 410, and a tank 415 that holdsthe adhesive compositing or sealing agent 420. The cylinder 410 isengraved with surface cells (not illustrated) that captures the adhesivecomposition or sealing agent 420 from the tank 415 and transfers theadhesive to the textile 10. The cells are positioned on the cylinder 410such that they selectively register/align with one or more of the spacerelements 115 and/or one or more channels 130, 135 or pockets 140 on thetextile 10. Accordingly, when the textile 10 contacts the cylinder 410,the adhesive composition 420 is applied in a discontinuous pattern onthe front side of the textile, selectively compressing and securing thespacer elements 115 in their compressed state (FIGS. 5A and 5B)(discussed in greater detail below).

In another embodiment, the rotogravure is a reverse kiss gravure coater.Referring to FIG. 4B, the gravure cylinder 410 rotates in the oppositedirection of the substrate; moreover, an impression roller 405 is notutilized. Instead, the textile 10 passes between a pair of idler rollers430A, 430B, which are offset from the gravure cylinder 410. Accordingly,the textile 10, under tension, contacts (is pressed against) the gravurecylinder 410, transferring the adhesive composition and/or compressingthe spacer elements 115. An exemplary reverse kiss gravure apparatus andprocess is disclosed in WO1997007899A1, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference in its entirety.

In an embodiment, the speed of the roller may be approximately 30revolutions per minute, and the applied wet coating possesses athickness of no more than 30 μm.

The adhesive composition 420 may be any adhesive suitable for itsdescribed purpose. For example, the adhesive includes a polymeric bindersuch as polyurethane. Polyurethane, while flexible, is effective to fillthe voids of the textile (i.e., the air passages present in each thefirst textile portion 105 and the second textile portion 110), reducingor preventing air from passing through at its point of application.

The adhesive composition 420 may further include insulating,heat-conducting, or heat-reflecting material dispersed in the binder. Byway of example, the adhesive composition 420 may contain inorganicmaterials such as ceramics (technical ceramics and refractorymaterials), as well as metals. By way of specific example, the adhesivecomposition may include silica (SiO₂), silicon nitride (SiN), zeolite,zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂), calcium silicate, calcium carbonate, aluminumnitride (AlN), alumina (Al₂O₃), silicon carbide (SiC), and magnesiumoxide (MgO), copper, aluminum, etc. In a preferred embodiment, thecoating includes silica capable of absorbing thermal energy such as bodyheat.

In an embodiment, the adhesive composition may possess a viscosity of nomore than 1000 mPa·s.

The adhesive composition 420 may be applied in any pattern suitable forits described purpose. In an embodiment, the adhesive composition 420 isapplied in an interrupted or discontinuous pattern. Preferably, thediscontinuous layer is configured such that the adhesive compositioncovers no more than 50% the surface area of the textile front face (theuser facing face). In an embodiment, the adhesive composition 420 isapplied as a vector pattern. Referring to FIG. 5A, the adhesive pattern500 includes a linear member 505A, 505B, 505C, 505 n+1 formed ofsegments 510A, 510B, 510C, 510D oriented at a predetermined angle A withrespect to each other (e.g., an acute angle). The dimensions of thelinear member 505A-505 n+1 (and thus of the segments 510A-510D) may beany suitable for its described purpose. By way of example, thetransverse dimension (width) of the linear member 505A-505 n+1 maycorrespond to the width/diameter of a spacer element. In otherembodiments, the transverse dimension of the linear member 505A-505 n+1may be greater or less than the transverse dimension (diameter) of aspacer element 115 and/or greater or less than the transverse dimension(width/height) of the channels 130, 135 or pockets 140. By way ofspecific example, the transverse dimension of each linear member505A-505 n+1 is approximately 1-5 mm (e.g., 2 mm or 3 mm).

The pattern 500 may further include a plurality of linear members505A-505 n+1 ordered to form a superstructure 515 such as a polygon and,in particular, a hexagon. As seen in FIG. 5A, the superstructure 515includes a plurality linear members 505A-505 n+1 disposed in a nestedarrangement. Each linear member 505A-505 n+1 is a partial hexagon withan apex 520 along the upper side of the nested arrangement and a brokenborder 525 along the lower side of the nested arrangement.

Referring to FIG. 5B, in an embodiment, the pattern 500 includes aplurality of superstructures 515 positioned adjacent each other in ahoneycomb-like manner, with adjacent rows being offset. The array ofsuperstructures 515 interconnected via a link 530. In an embodiment, thesecond linear member 505B of one superstructure 515 is connected to thefirst linear member 505A of a second superstructure along the link 530.

With these arrangements, the linear members 505A-505 _(n+1) can spanportions of the wearer, improving the capture and/or distribution ofthermal energy (e.g., body heat) generated by the wearer. That is, thelinear elements enable the efficient absorption and dispersion of heatover a wider surface area than, e.g., dots or circles. That is, if thefirst segment 510A of a linear member is positioned over an area of thebody generating heat, while the third segment 510B is not, the firstsegment will initially absorb heat. The absorbed heat will then travel(be conducted) between segments 510A-510 _(n+1). This is in contrastwith individual circles or squares, which, being spaced from each other,do not dispersing it along the surface of the wearer.

Formation of the textile 10 with selectively compressed spacer elementsis explained with reference to FIG. 6. First, the textile 10 is obtained(Step 605), e.g., formed via the knitting processes explained above. Thetextile 10 is placed in the rotogravure apparatus 400 (Step 610), wherethe impression roller 405 contacts the exposed (outer) surface of thefirst textile portion 105, urging the exposed (inner) surface of thesecond textile portion 110 (including the spacer elements 115) againstthe gravure cylinder 410. The cells of the gravure cylinder 410, havinga depth of 100 μm-200 μm (e.g., 150 μm), are configured to align withselected spacer elements 115. The cylinder cells will contact theselected spacer elements 115, compressing the spacer element to form acompressed spacer element 715 (FIG. 7A). While compressed, the cylinder410 applies/transfers the adhesive composition 420 to the surface of thetextile 10 (Step 615). The transferred adhesive composition 420 securesthe compressed spacer element 715 in its compressed state (FIG. 7B).After transfer, the applied adhesive composition 420 may be dried via aheater (at, e.g., 100° C.).

Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the resulting textile 10includes a partially or fully compressed spacer elements 715 anduncompressed (expanded) spacer elements 115. Additionally, the adhesivecomposition 420 may be selectively transferred to a channel 130, 135 orpocket 140, sealing the channel with adhesive (Step 620) and reducingair permeability (breathability) at the point of application.

Once transferred, the adhesive composition 420 may completely cover aspacer element 715 (securing the entire spacer element in its compressedconfiguration) or may partially cover a spacer element 115 (securing aportion of the spacer element in the compressed configuration).Accordingly, the resulting textile 10 includes a plurality of expandedspacer elements 115 extending distally from the first textile portion105 at a first height and a plurality of compressed spacer elements 715extending from the first textile portion 105 at a second height, withthe second height being less than the first height. Depending on thepressure applied, the distal end of each compressed spacer element 715may be substantially or completely flush with the textile surface (i.e.,with the surface of the first textile portion 105), or may be slightlyrecessed into the textile surface. In compressed areas not including aspacer element 115, the surface including the compressed fibers,filaments, or yarns may be recessed or substantially flush with thesurrounding non-compressed areas, depending on the pressure applied.

The resulting textile 10 (and the article of apparel made therefrom)possesses improved thermoregulatory control compared to a textilelacking the adhesive composition. That is, the textile 10 possessesimproved heat retention and distribution capabilities without increasingthe overall weight of the textile/article of apparel (or increasing theweight by only a nominal amount). In the sealed areas, transmission offluid (liquid/air) through the textile 10 is delayed or prevented.Without being bound to a particular theory, it is believed that thebinder (e.g., polyurethane) of the adhesive composition 420 seals thetextile 10 by covering the pores or openings existing within the fabric,decreasing airflow and liquid flow therethrough. Decreasing the airpermeability of the textile (and thus of the article of apparel)increases its insulating properties of the textile. The heat of thewearer, moreover, is retained in the air pockets naturally existingbetween the wearer and the textile 10 (or between the textile andanother fabric layer).

Wearer comfort, however, is maintained. The adhesive composition 420,being applied as a discontinuous layer, maintains the breathability ofthe textile. In addition, any liquid contacting a sealed area may simplyroll of the sealed area to an unsealed area, being moved away from theuser.

In addition, the adhesive composition 420 may further include insulationor other heat retaining material, further increasing the insulationproperties of the composition, and thus the textile 10 (compared withthe textile printed with the adhesive composition lacking insulationmaterial). That is, if the adhesive composition 420 further includes aninsulating material, the composition is effective to decrease thermalconductivity through the textile, increasing its absorption of heat. Forexample, when silica is present in the adhesive composition 420, thesilica, having a specific heat capacity value that is greater than thatof, e.g., the textile 10 and/or the binder, is capable of absorbing heatfrom the wearer. Even when the heat energy is removed, the heatretaining material may then release the stored energy, warming themicroclimate around the wearer.

In still further embodiments, the heat retaining material may beselected to emit or radiate selected wavelengths back to wearer (e.g.,IR waves), when the heat source is removed.

Examples of heat retaining materials include ceramics such as AlO₂, ZnO,SnO₂, TiO₂, SiO₂, SiC and ZrC. The heat retaining material may bepresent in an amount of less than 50 wt % and, in particular, less than25 wt % (e.g., 2-10 wt %).

If the adhesive composition 420 includes a heat conductive material, theheat of the wearer will be absorbed and will be evenly dispersed alongthe composition, increasing the overall feeling of warmth, with the heatbeing transferred from a warmer part of the body to a cooler part.

Finally, if the adhesive composition 420 further includes aheat-reflective material, the composition is effective to reflect theheat of the wearer back towards the wearer, increasing the feeling ofwarmth.

Regardless of the type of adhesive composition used, the overall fluidcontrol characteristics remain intact since a substantial portion of thechannels 130, 135, pockets 140, and/or spacer elements 115 remainexposed (unsealed/unprinted). That is, while overall air permeability(breathability) is reduced, the article of apparel still retains asubstantial level of breathability, increasing user comfort. Thus, theinvention increases user warmth, adds minimum weight to the textile 10,and retains the base properties of the textile such as breathability.

In this manner, a garment can be provided that, while capable of movingsweat away from the wearer to provide the wearer with a feeling ofdryness, also provides a warming effect while worn.

In addition, since the adhesive composition or sealing agent 420 isapplied in a discontinuous pattern along the inner fabric surface, theresulting garment includes areas possessing different air permeabilityand/or heat retention values. Specifically, the area of fabric includingthe sealing agent possesses a first air permeability value, while thearea of fabric not including the sealing agent possesses a second airpermeability value. The second air permeability value is higher than thefirst air permeability value. Additionally, area of fabric including thesealing agent with a heat retaining or insulating material possesses afirst heat retention value, while the area of fabric not including thesealing agent with the heat retention material possesses a second heatretention value, with the second heat retention value being lower thanthe first heat retention value.

When the discontinuous pattern of FIGS. 5A and 5B is utilized, thearticle of apparel according includes not only alternating bands offirst and second air permeability values, but also alternating bands offirst and second heat retention values. Accordingly, it is possible tocontrol the level of insulation in the garment by selectively applying apredetermined amount of adhesive composition or sealing agent 420 to thetextile (the greater the coverage of the sealing agent 420, the lowerthe fluid movement and the greater the heat retention property of thegarment).

The textile 10 formed according to the principles of the presentinvention may be used in a number of different products. For example,the textile 10 may be incorporated into a shirt 800 (FIG. 8) where thesecond textile portion 105 is positioned along the inside of the shirt,facing the wearer.

While the invention has been described in detail and with reference tospecific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in theart that various changes and modifications can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope thereof. In at least one embodiment,the ceramic print covers about 25% to about 80% of the interior surfacearea of the article of apparel (e.g., about 35%-45%).

Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modificationsand variations of this invention provided they come within the scope ofthe appended claims and their equivalents. It is to be understood thatterms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,”“length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “medial,”“lateral,” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points ofreference and do not limit the present invention to any particularorientation or configuration.

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of apparel formed from a textile, thetextile comprising: a generally continuous first textile portion; and adiscontinuous second textile portion comprising a plurality of spacerelements extending distally from the first textile portion, theplurality of spacer elements defining an array of spacer elementsordered in columns and rows with a plurality of intersecting elongatedchannels defined between the rows and columns; wherein the plurality ofspacer elements includes an expanded spacer element and a compressedspacer element, wherein the compressed spacer element includescompressed yarns compressed into a compressed state via pressure, thecompressed spacer element being secured in its compressed state by asealing agent, wherein the compressed spacer element includes a distalend that is substantially flush with the first textile portion, andwherein the sealing agent comprises a heat retaining material selectedfrom the group consisting of AlO₂, ZnO, SnO₂, TiO₂, SiO₂, SiC, ZrC, andcombinations thereof; wherein the article of apparel defines an innerside and an outer side of the first textile portion, wherein the innerside of the first textile portion and the plurality of spacer elementsof the second textile portion define an inner surface configured to facea wearer of the article of apparel; and wherein the sealing agent isapplied as a discontinuous pattern exposed along the inner surface, thediscontinuous pattern contacting each of the first textile portion andthe second textile portion along a continuous stretch extending betweenat least two of the compressed spacer elements, wherein an area of thearticle of apparel including the sealing agent within the discontinuouspattern possesses a first air permeability value, and wherein an area ofarticle of apparel not including the sealing agent outside of thediscontinuous pattern possesses a second air permeability value, thesecond air permeability value higher than the first air permeabilityvalue such that the discontinuous pattern defines alternating bands offirst and second air permeability values along the article of apparel.2. The article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein the sealingagent extends over and across the compressed spacer element, therebysecuring the compressed spacer element in its compressed configuration.3. The article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein: the expandedspacer element extends from the first textile portion at a first height;the compressed spacer element extends from the first textile portion ata second height; and the second height is less than the first height. 4.The article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein the textilecomprises hydrophobic yarn.
 5. The article of apparel according to claim4, wherein the textile consists essentially of hydrophobic yarn.
 6. Thearticle of apparel according to claim 1, wherein the first plurality ofcompressed spacer elements are formed by a process of reducing a heightof a distal end of each of the first spacer elements above the generallycontinuous first textile portion from a first height to a second height.7. The article of apparel according to claim 1 wherein the sealing agentis effective to reduce an air permeability of the article of apparel. 8.The article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein the sealing agentcomprises a binder and a heat retaining material.
 9. The article ofapparel according to claim 8, wherein: the area of article of apparelincluding the sealing agent further possesses a first heat insulatingvalue; the area of the article of apparel not including the sealingagent further possesses a second heat retention insulating value; andthe second heat insulating value is lower than the first heat retentionvalue, wherein the discontinuous pattern further defines alternatingbands of first and second heat insulating values along the article ofapparel.
 10. An article of apparel formed from a textile, the textilecomprising: a generally continuous first textile portion; and adiscontinuous second textile portion comprising a plurality of spacerelements extending distally from the first textile portion on an innerside of said article of apparel configured to face a wearer of thearticle of apparel, the plurality of spacer elements defining an arrayof spacer elements ordered in columns and rows with a plurality ofintersecting elongated channels defined between the rows and columns,the plurality of spacer elements including a plurality of uncompressedspacer elements oriented in spaced relation from a plurality ofcompressed spacer elements to define a gap between the uncompressedspacer element and the compressed spacer element, wherein at least aportion of each compressed spacer element is secured in a compressedstate by a sealing agent such that the portion of each compressed spacerelement includes a distal end that is substantially flush with the firsttextile portion, wherein the sealing agent is applied to the inner sideof said article of apparel in a pattern such that said sealing agentcovers a first area of the first textile portion and the second textileportion, but does not cover a second area of the first textile portionand the second textile portion.
 11. The article of apparel according toclaim 10, wherein each of said plurality of compressed spacer elementsis formed by a process of applying pressure to one of the plurality ofuncompressed spacer elements to form the compressed spacer element. 12.The article of apparel according to claim 11, wherein an applicatorapplies the pressure to the uncompressed spacer element.
 13. An articleof apparel formed from a textile, the textile comprising: a generallycontinuous first textile portion; and a discontinuous second textileportion comprising a plurality of spacer elements extending distallyfrom the first textile portion on an inner side of said article ofapparel, the plurality of spacer elements defining an array of spacerelements ordered in columns and rows with a plurality of intersectingelongated channels defined between the rows and columns, the pluralityof spacer elements including a plurality of expanded spacer elementsoriented in spaced relation from a plurality of compressed spacerelements, wherein said elongated channels define a gaps between thewherein the plurality of spacer elements includes an expanded spacerelements and the compressed spacer elements, the compressed spacerelements being secured in a compressed state by a sealing agentcomprising a binder and SiO₂ heat retaining material, wherein thesealing agent covers both a portion of said first textile portion and anumber of said compressed spacer elements on said discontinuous secondtextile portion.
 14. The article of apparel according to claim 13,wherein the compressed spacer elements are flattened by pressure. 15.The article of apparel according to claim 13, wherein each of thecompressed spacer elements is formed by applying pressure to one of theexpanded spacer elements.
 16. The article of apparel according to claim15, wherein an applicator applies the pressure to the one of theexpanded spacer elements.
 17. The article of apparel according to claim13, wherein the compressed spacer elements comprise compressed yarns,the sealing agent securing the compressed yarns in their compressedstate.